'''We continue to move closer toward a discounted deal that Bronson is providing to the Boston Red Sox because he wants to do anything he can do to remain a Red Sox for not only these three years but the remainder of his career,' Clifton said last night. 'He's saying, 'I know this is a discounted deal, but I want to remain here. How do I get a chance to do this forever?'

'''While we do not support him in his decision to provide a discount, we hope the Boston Red Sox will not take advantage of Bronson's loyalty and use a potential discounted deal to trade him.'